Missoula Rural Fire Quick Response Saves Concrete Company Over $2 Million In Equipment

The Missoula Rural Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire at A-Core Concrete early Monday morning, possibly saving over $2 million in equipment inside the company's storage facility.

Fire Chief Bill Colwell said the call came in to 9-1-1 just after midnight.

“We were dispatched to a structure fire, smoke coming from the roof of the business, at A-Core Concrete, located at 9125 Futurity Drive,” Colwell said. “The initial arriving engine reported smoke coming from the eves of the structure on all sides. Crews were quickly able to force access into the smoke-filled building and located the fire in a utility truck parked inside the bays of the business. The fire was confined to that single utility work truck with no additional fire spread.”

Colwell said the fire didn’t take long to bring under control.

“Fire crews remained on scene until 1:43 a.m. to remove smoke from the rest of the building,” he said. “The scene was turned over to the responding employee of the business. The cause of the fire is undetermined and no injuries were reported.”

Colwell said quick response by Missoula Rural Fire helped to save most of the company’s costly equipment.

“The damage to the business utility truck is estimated to be $300,000. Quick knockdown by fire crews saved an estimated $2,000,000 for the business, including 3 additional large utility trucks, equipment, and the building. In addition, Frenchtown Fire, Missoula Emergency Services Ambulance and the Missoula County Sheriff's Office all responded to assist at the scene. Two engines, three water tenders, a ladder truck, and a Battalion Chief responded with 13 fire fighters.”

Colwell said passersby and other businesses in the area phoned 9-1-1 to report the fire not long after it started.